Jesus as God
Jesus Gives the Living Water of the Spirit
Water ceremonies and prayers for rain formed part of the Feast of Tabernacles setting, making Jesus' invitation especially vivid.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Old Testament YHWH Identification
Divine Presence
Divine Authority
Divine Identity
Sends the Holy Spirit
Grants Salvation
Fulfills YHWH Passage
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus publicly invites the thirsty to come to him and drink; John explains that he spoke about the Holy Spirit believers would receive.
Historical and Cultural Context
YHWH is called the fountain of living waters, and prophetic visions associate eschatological water with God's Temple presence and Spirit.
Old Testament Background
Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8 are central backgrounds.
Exposition
Jesus directs the thirsty to himself and is identified as the giver of the eschatological Spirit.
Why This Points to His Divinity
John places Jesus in the role of the divine source from whom life-giving water and the Spirit are received.
Response of the Hearers
The crowd divides over Jesus' identity.